Ducati Multistrada 1200 (2010 - present)

So here's my thing: I'm REALLY tempted to buy one of these but I'm asking myself what the chances are of the "fly by wire" electronic throttle and all the other high-tech gubbins working in pissing rain on a French autoroute at 10pm.  If it was a BMW or a Honda I might think, "quite good", but a Ducati??  Seriously?? Anyone got any 1st hand experience yet?

Posted: 07/09/2010 at 18:50

Only thing I've heard from 2 separate friends - one in Iowa & the other in Lousiana - is the same problem....surgin/fuel delivery/stalling/sputtering/ on anything under 3800 RPM's.

It's so bad that both of them are talking about dropping the bikes back @ the dealership and demanding their money back. That's pretty strong.

It must be somewhat unrideable in low speed mode. So unless you are WOT, there might be a reason to stay away from this particular Duc.

Lastly, this did not come on until many miles were on the bikes. More "broken in" than "new". Miles varied - but for the sake of the arguement, they had several 1000 miles on the scoots before the fueling issues showed themselves. It seems that all the Duc Multi's are doing the same thing.

Sad deal - I wanna love this motorbike.

hANNABONE

Posted: 08/09/2010 at 16:36

Posted: 10/06/2011 at 18:48

I wanted one. £14k is serious and an hour's test was not enough. So I hired one for a week and spent every day with it for a good 1,000 miles.

Strengths

+ It is a lovely motor with intoxicating power. Sport can get tiresome on journeys when 100 bhp is actually sufficient for touring.

+ Well thought out, with good instruments and equipment.

+ Really comfy, the pillion loved it too.

Weaknesses
- Build quality isnt up to Bavarian standards, you wouldnt take it off road
 would you really?

- It insisted more than once that I had lost its remote key and needed rebooting (was in my pocket all the time)

- The engine siezed on the M25 at 70mph in Urban mode at 4,500 rpm. Seriously, that was excitement!

I think this bike had been ridden hard for 12 months 25k miles and who knows what it had endured. I cant see a Honda timing chain going though can you?

If the GS is too agricultural/predictable/pedestrian for you then this is the sporty trailie you need. Maybe the Triumph 1200 with its fruity triple and shaft drive for less money could be the better buy though?

Posted: 15/11/2011 at 17:51